Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Birmingham is 16% more affordable than Provo. A $75,000 salary in Provo is equivalent to $62,740 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Provo (97).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
Amazon affiliate links